Why Does My Cat... Stick Her Butt in My Face?

Typically, cats who are friendly toward each other rub their heads, flanks and tails alongside each other. When they perform these behaviors, they are exchanging odors and possibly forming a “colony” scent, which is making sure their odor is familiar to other cats in the group and says “you belong.” (A colony is basically a group of cats who live peaceably together in a home or other setting.) In addition to rubbing, other forms of tactile communication include shared grooming (licking each other) and resting or sleeping next to each other.

Researchers have noted that when one cat approaches a second cat with his tail held up, the first cat is more likely to be rubbed on and sniffed by other colony members. Usually cat-to-cat rubbing occurs after the first cat approaches with his tail up. If the second cat also has his tail in an up position, the probability of being rubbed is increased.

Handshake in Reverse

Why am I telling you all this just to answer the question “Why does my cat stick her behind in my face?”

Taking into account some of the information I have shared on the fascinating world of cat communication, many cat owners may be misinterpreting their cats’ posterior presentations. Instead of “sticking her behind in your face,” your cat may very well be asking you for affection or reaffirmation of your social bond by soliciting attention and petting. When you pet your cat, you are also depositing your odors from the glands on your hand and picking up her odors. Cats regard this as being social.

When cats rub alongside each other, they are facing in opposite directions and usually end up standing with their hind ends positioned toward one another. Since we do not rub bodies with our cats but use our hands instead, this is probably why they end up directing their posteriors toward us. I personally see it as a sign that my cat likes me.

And the "bottom line" is just that: Take it as a complimentif your cat gives you the butt.